Bedding for rodents: absorbent, odour binding and very soft

Bedding: a dry floor and fresh air in the cage

Bedding is the basis for hygiene in any rodent home. It takes up liquid, holds down odour and at the same time gives your animals a soft layer to dig and burrow in. You will find fine softwood granulate, forest floor bedding, bark bedding and natural straw in different pack sizes, from the small bag for the indoor cage to the large sack for the hutch.

Absorbency and odour control

The better a bedding takes up moisture, the longer the cage stays fresh. Softwood granulate is especially absorbent and works well under the toilet or the sleeping spot. Forest floor and bark bedding look natural, have a coarser structure and invite burrowing. Straw absorbs less but pads the sleeping area and serves as enrichment. Many keepers combine an absorbent base layer with a loose top layer of straw or hay, which keeps the floor dry and gives the animals something to rummage through at the same time.

Spreading and changing it

Spread the bedding generously so your animals can dig and the floor stays dry. Take out damp patches and the corner toilet every day, which clearly extends the time until a full change. How often you muck out depends on the number of animals, the size of the cage and the type of bedding. Store bedding dry and closed so it keeps its absorbency. A litter scoop helps when you fill it in, so nothing lands beside the cage. Large packs pay off if you keep several animals or look after an outdoor hutch, while small bags suit the cage in the living room.

Frequently asked questions

Which bedding absorbs best?
Fine softwood granulate takes up a lot of liquid and works well as a base layer under the toilet and the sleeping spot.

Can I mix straw and bedding?
Yes, and it is genuinely practical. An absorbent layer below, straw or hay on top for burrowing, padding and nibbling.

How deep should the bedding be?
Deep enough for your animals to dig tunnels and for the floor to stay dry. Keen burrowers appreciate a bit more depth.